16 Months

Every day you amaze us.  You continue to grow and develop and your personality shines.  You are becoming  very independent.  You want to do things all by yourself.  You now want to feed yourself, brush your own teeth and climb up the stairs.  I enjoy watching you gain Independence but sometimes I have to close my eyes and take a deep breathe and let you learn on your own.  You are being coming a big girl and I feel blessed that I get to witness your transformation and brace the falls. 

Weight: 20.1 lbs

Height: 31.2 inches

Size: You are wearing mostly 12 month clothes. You still wear a couple 9 month things and have started wearing a couple 18 month things that run small. You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Eating: You love to eat. You are starting to show preference on what I give you.  I try to make sure you always have a balanced meal but you have other ideas.  You refuse to eat your vegetables most meals but I continue to put them on your plate. You love all carbs...daddy and I call you a carbaholic.  You are still nursing.  Most days you only nurse morning and night but sometimes you surprise me and ask during the day.  I am letting you decide when and how much you need to nurse. I have enjoyed our breastfeeding relationship but I know our days are becoming numbered so I cherish each nursing session. 

Sleep Schedule: I am giving up on you sleeping through the night.  In the last 3 weeks you have slept through the night 3 times.  I assume you will sleep through the night some day.  If not I guess your husband can get up and rub your back in the middle of the night.

Likes: You enjoy being read to.  You bring daddy and I books and let us read 3 pages then you bring us another book.  You enjoy swimming and music class.  You like to play outside and go down slides.  You enjoy exploring new places and trying new things.

Dislikes: Your car seat (which has never changed).  You don't like getting out of the bath tub or getting dressed.  You pretty much don't like anything that is not your idea but mommy and daddy use smooth moves to help you transition. 

Events: Another busy fun month! We started the month of by celebrating Labor Day. We had a long fun family weekend.  Grandma and Grandpa Strobel came to visit for the weekend.  We all went to the Zoo together and enjoyed dinner at one of Grandpa's college hang outs! We also went to Michigan and spent some time with cousin Ben.  You started your third semester of swimming and music class.  We enjoy taking you to swimming and music.  It is uninterrupted time to focus on you and enjoy you.  Daddy usually gets in the water with you and swims.  You love the water and are not afraid.  Mommy usually takes you to music.  You love the bubbles and the drums.  This month we also celebrate mommy's birthday and your baptism anniversary.  Your baptism anniversary will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope your someday also.  That day daddy and I promised to raise you in the church and teach you about the Lord.  I hope that you always rely on the Lord weather you need strength or forgiveness.